Michael Opatola

About Michael Opatola

With over 13 years of experience across aerospace, defense, and technology, I specialize…

Experience

1. Principal Systems Engineer

   RTX

   Dec 2023 — Present · McKinney, TX, US

   In my current role, I lead digital transformation efforts across mission-critical defense systems, combining agile system architecture with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to streamline execution and strengthen decision-making. I partner across engineering, operations, and supply chain teams to align government mission requirements with modern digital-first approaches—helping reduce rework, improve lifecycle cost efficiency, and accelerate program timelines.A major focus of my work has been driving the adoption of Cameo and MBSE methodologies to develop digital twins, automate engineering workflows, and support data-driven insights at scale. I automated the Phoenix Program’s data pipeline, which accelerated reporting cycles and cut processing time by 40%. I also standardized MBSE frameworks across programs, reducing rework by 25% and achieving a 98% first-pass model approval rate. By embedding digital diagnostics and optimizing system integration strategies, I helped reduce downtime by 15%.I’ve had the opportunity to present roadmaps and performance metrics directly to executive stakeholders—shaping program strategy and influencing funding decisions. I was honored with the RI & S President’s Award for leading MBSE transformation and for my continued commitment to mentoring early-career engineers and supporting STEM education initiatives.This role has allowed me to operate at the intersection of complex systems engineering and technical program leadership—where I thrive most—bridging deep technical rigor with enterprise impact and cross-functional collaboration.

Education

• Naveen Jindal School of Management, UT Dallas

  Master of Business Administration - Executive MBA

• Archbishop Michael Ramsey Technology College

  A-Levels, Physics,Chemistry,Biology and Math

  2004 — 2006

• Naveen Jindal School of Management, UT Dallas

  Master of Science - MS, Information Technology and Management

• Missouri University of Science and Technology

  Master's Degree, Mechanical Engineering

  2012 — 2015

• University of Maryland

  BSc, Aerospace Engineering

  2009 — 2011

• Naveen Jindal School of Management, UT Dallas

  Certificate, Product Lifecycle and Supply Chain Management

Skills

• Mbd
• Labview
• Mathcad
• Ansys
• Composites
• Mbis
• Unigraphics Nx6
• Teamcenter
• Cfd
• Catia
• Pro Engineer
• Simulations
• Camtasia
• C++
• Unigraphics
• Aerodynamics
• Ptc Creo
• Engineering
• Aerospace
• Manufacturing
• Autocad
• Cad
• Aircraft
• Finite Element Analysis
• Msc.patran
• Matlab
• Solidworks
• Microsoft Excel
• Machining
• Aerospace Engineering
• Mes
• Comsol
• Nastran
• Testing